Since his operation was carried out relatively recently his chances of the operation being successful are better than most (the chance is significantly reduced if the vasectomy was carried out more than 10 years previously).

Because of NHS waiting lists it is very difficult, if not impossible, to get a reversal carried out unless you go privately.

The success rates amongst different surgeons varies from 40 to 90 per cent in restoring the passage of sperm through the tubes with a 30 to 50 per cent chance of the man fathering a child thereafter.

Men often have a lower sperm count after reversal than before the vasectomy, but this tends to improve over the first year.

The operation involves either a local or general anaesthetic and it usually takes around 30 minutes.

The cut ends of the tubes are located and any scarred, tied or burned tissues are trimmed.

The ends are then carefully sewn together preferably using a microsurgical technique with an operation microscope to magnify the field of view.

Tiny stitches are inserted to join the inner and outer walls of the two tubes, and although inflammatory and immunological processes can cause problems even after the best surgical procedure, there is an overall 40 per cent chance of the man having children in the future.

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